So the Nationals have won six games in a row. Really! They beat the Dodgers and Braves three times each.
And the Phillies come into town and face their inexplicable tormentor, Tim Redding, who flummoxed the Phils over six innings on August 21, allowing just a single run and getting a no-decision in a 4-3 Nationals victory.
The Phillies counter with Kyle Kendrick, who has been erratic at best over the past month or so.
It's cliche beyond belief, but these are games that playoff teams need to win. The greater the margin you can build up against the league's also-rans, the better off you'll be.